Study on the relationship between sarcopenia and its components and anorexia in elderly maintenance haemodialysis patients

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the current situation of sarcopenia and anorexia of elderly maintenance haemodialysis patients and analyse the influencing factors. DESIGN: A cross‐sectional design was used in this study. METHODS: One hundred and twelve elderly patients on MHD in 3 haemodialysis centres in Sichuan, China, were selected. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). Anorexia was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Anorexia Cachexia Therapy/Anorexia Cachexia Subscale (FAACT/ACS). The relationship between sarcopenia and anorexia was analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalences of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia in elderly MHD patients were 52.7% and 39.3%, respectively, and the prevalence of anorexia was 25.9%. Severe sarcopenia was independently associated with anorexia, and weekly exercise frequency was independently associated with anorexia. The low SMI value and slow gait speed were strongly associated with anorexia. This study complied with the STROBE checklist.